Under these regulations, anglers can only practice catch-and-release fishing. No natural bait is allowed. Fishermen can use only single-hook, artificial lures that were not treated with any substance to attract fish. The seasonal regulations will be relaxed again June 6.

The commission stocks delayed-harvest waters from fall until spring with thousands of trout to increase anglers’ chances of landing a fish. The delayed harvest trout waters are posted with diamond-shaped, black-and-white signs. This year, the commission added sections on two creeks and a river, in Ashe, Clay and Graham counties, to its delayed harvest program.